WATER ACTIVITIES

MAKING WAVES

ADVENTURES AFLOAT

With the Pacific Ocean as well as many lakes and rivers in and near Florence, water-related activities are as much a part of the Florence scene as

Historic Old Town. In fact, neighboring Bay

Street is the Port of 16 Siuslaw Boardwalk and campground, right on the Siuslaw River. The river, named for the Siuslaw Indians, is an active part of coastal culture. For information on the restoration of the Siuslaw, visit Siuslaw Watershed Council at Siuslaw.org.

Boating

Fishing and crabbing are the principal boating activities around the Florence area, but water skiing on Woahink and Mercer lakes are also popular, as well as sightseeing. Most lakes have easily accessible public boat launch areas. The Siuslaw River has several boat launch ramps between Florence and Mapleton. There also is a launch location along the Siuslaw River North Fork tributary.

The many other lakes near Florence offer additional paddling opportunities for bird watching, fishing and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddleboarding

Florence is gaining a reputation as one of the best paddle destinations on the Oregon coast, if not the entire state. Both the Siuslaw and Siltcoos rivers have designated paddle routes.

The 30-mile Siuslaw Water Trail extends up both the Siuslaw and North Fork rivers, as well as circumnavigating Cox Island. Launching from Florence’s Old Town, the trail consists of several separate routes to allow for trips of any duration. For more information, visit siuslawwatertrail. com.

Siltcoos River offers an extraordinary paddling adventure along a threemile journey from Siltcoos Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Launching at the boat ramp on Siltcoos Lake, the narrow, meandering river will take you under Highway 101, over a kayak portage ramp next to a small dam, along intimate beaches and forested hillsides and finally out to the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean, just in time for a picnic lunch on a nearly deserted sandy beach.

Surfing

For the brave souls willing to brave the elements, the Siuslaw River and area beaches offer the chance to surf — wetsuit recommended.

Windsurfing

Florence has a well-deserved reputation for being windy. This is good news for windsurfers. Rivers and lakes, especially the ones near the ocean, are known for consistent winds for much of the summer season. The Pacific Ocean near Florence also has steady winds that build in strength in the afternoon.

Windsurfers can catch a ride almost any day on the Siuslaw River. The more adventurous also can jump waves while windsurfing off the gently sloping beach behind the South Jetty. Take South Jetty Road all the way to the end to discover some great ocean windsurfing.

R R REGENCY FLORENCE REHABILITATION CENTER A Regency Pacific Community

Bringing independence to living and quality of life

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 541.997.8436 1951 E 21st Street, Florence, OR 97439

Florence, Oregon Us TOO Florence

Prostate Cancer Education/Support on the Oregon Coast www.ustooflorence.org

BOB HORNEY, CHAPTER LEADER/FACILITATOR

BOTH MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD. WATCH SIUSLAW NEWS FOR RESUMPTION

• Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday)

5-7 p.m. - Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends.

• Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday)

12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant Urologist Dr. Roger McKimmy attends.

Contact Bob for more information: (H) 541-997-6626 (C) 541-999-4239

maribob@oregonfast.net

• Check out our Personal Prostate Cancer Journeys, slideshows and other information on our website. • A prostate cancer diagnosis is not needed to attend. • Spouses/family members are encouraged to attend. • Bring questions/records - get answers • Someone to talk to - who understands.

www.ustooflorence.org

PORT OF SIUSLAW

Many outdoor activities on the Siuslaw River revolve around the Port of Siuslaw. Its boat moorage docks, boat launches, boardwalk, RV, camping and biker/hiker campsites along the river in Florence and the convenience dock in Mapleton are all under the jurisdiction of the port. In all, the port is responsible for almost 700 square miles of the Siuslaw River watershed.

The Port of Siuslaw Campground, located along the banks of the Siuslaw River, includes 91 RV hookup sites, 11 campsites, 12 biker/hiker campsites, a wind protected gazebo, boat launch and moorage, and a fish-cleaning station.

All guests have access to laundry and shower/restroom facilities on site.

The campground is conveniently located within easy strolling distance of the many shops and restaurants in Florence’s Historic Old Town. Other port amenities include a fuel dock, boat hoist, cable TV and Wi-Fi.

The port docks offer short-term transient moorage and longterm monthly or annual moorage to both recreational and commercial fishing vessels. Visitors often find commercial fishermen selling seasonal catches, such as fresh tuna, right off the boat.

During the summer, the port’s boardwalk area is the location for the popular open-air Old Town Market, as well as the Rhododendron Festival carnival in May. In recent years, the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show have launched from the port. The boardwalk provides a dramatic, up close vantage point.

Stop by the Port of Siuslaw Office, 100 Harbor St., or call 541997-3040 for more information.